UK plans major change to law to criminalise small boat crossing ads on social media to stop illegal immigration

In a bid to tackle the digital promotion of illegal immigration, the United Kingdom has proposed such promotion as a criminal offence across the country that could lead to perpetrators being sentenced for up to five years in prison and a hefty fine.

“Dangerous criminal gangs profiting from deadly small boat crossings will face a major new crackdown following a £100 million investment in border security,” said the UK government on Sunday.

“Under a new amendment to the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill currently going through Parliament, a new, UK-wide offence will be introduced to criminalise the creation of material for publication online, which promotes or offers services facilitating a breach of UK immigration law. This could include small boat crossings, the creation of fake travel documents like passports or visas, or explicitly promising illegal working opportunities in the UK,” as per the release.

While facilitating illegal migration is already a crime, the proposed changes would add another string to law enforcement’s bow, better enabling them to disrupt the gangs while they are publicising people-smuggling activities and provide an additional tool when building a case against those peddling this content.   

UK Home Office analysis shows that approximately 80% of migrants arriving via small boats told officials that they used social media during their illegal journey to the UK, including to locate or communicate with an agent or facilitator associated with an organised crime group.   

Many people who come to the UK and end up working illegally are often sold a false narrative about their ability to live and work here, creating a draw for people to risk their lives by crossing the Channel in a small boat. That’s why this offence will also crack down on content which explicitly promises illegal work, which breaches UK immigration laws.    

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said, “Selling the false promise of a safe journey to the UK and a life in this country – whether on or offline – simply to make money, is nothing short of immoral.”

“These criminals have no issue with leading migrants to life-threatening situations using brazen tactics on social media. We are determined to do everything we can to stop them – wherever they operate,” he added.

Recently, a kingpin smuggling gang was arrested and prosecuted. Over 600 small boats and engines, as well as 351 other criminal gangs, were disrupted through the work of the NCA.